BAGUIO City CHSO
BAGUIO CITY – This city has stepped up the campaign against tuberculosis after 1,241 cases were recorded in 2025 and 231 in the first quarter of this year.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong encouraged public schools, hospitals, and private establishments to illuminate their buildings with red lights, symbolizing unity and commitment in the fight against tuberculosis while raising public awareness about the disease.
According to the World Health Organization, TB is the deadliest infectious disease known to man, and the Philippines is in the top three countries with the highest number of tuberculosis cases with approximately 98 Filipinos dying of TB every day.
Dr. Donnabel Panes of the City Health Services Office said TB is an airborne respiratory illness primarily spread when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
She clarified that TB is not transmitted through sharing utensils, towels, using the same comfort room, or through physical contact, common misconceptions that need to be corrected.
She said that to strengthen early detection and prevention, the CHSO is conducting a free chest X-ray through a machine donated by the Philippine Business for Social Progress.
Panes reminded the public that TB can affect anyone and that health authorities are working with jeepney, e-jeep, and taxi drivers to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage early detection of TB.
“We are not all at the same risk. The risk is higher for these groups: Children, the elderly, diabetics, health workers, those taking steroids and chemotherapy, smokers, and vapers,” she said.
Panes stressed the need to keep the immune system strong as TB is closely related to how well the body can defend against infection.
Meanwhile, more than 100 drivers received free chest X-ray services, PhilHealth YAKAP registration, and meals in commemoration of World Tuberculosis Day recently as part of the city’s efforts to prevent the spread of TB.
Panes said X-ray caravans help prevent the rise of tuberculosis especially among vulnerable populations like drivers who interact with many passengers every day and advised the public to get tested especially if they are listed in the high-risk group.
The CHSO said that there is no need to worry about costs as they provide free TB testing and treatment.